SHORTAGE DESIGNATIONS

Center staff work with local health care providers and interested community
organizations to determine the availability of primary care providers in a
county or service area (a service area is usually a portion of a county). If
the area meets criteria, staff request that the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services designate it a shortage or underserved area. Areas that do not
meet the criteria for federal designation may qualify as a state-designated
shortage area. The center also maintains a database of primary care physicians
practicing in rural and underserved areas.

The Center for Rural Health has developed criteria to designate state shortage
areas to meet requirements of several state funded programs. These criteria
have been accepted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services
for the purpose of qualifying areas for rural health clinic development.